Pilates exercise device

ABSTRACT

An exercise device includes a base frame having a first baseboard member, a second baseboard member, and a base pad disposed in between. The first baseboard member includes a first locking member disposed on a first headend of the first baseboard member, and the second baseboard member includes a second locking member disposed on a second headend of the second baseboard member. The exercise device further includes a pole frame having a top crossbar, a bottom crossbar, a first side pole, and a second side pole. The first lock member of the first baseboard member is inserted into a cross section of the first side pole and the second lock member of the second baseboard member is inserted into a cross section of the second side pole, such that the pole frame is interlocked with the base frame substantially perpendicularly.

RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation-in-part (CIP) of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/158,664, filed Jan. 17, 2014, which is incorporated by reference herein in its entirety.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

Embodiments of the present invention relate generally to physical training machines, and in particular, to exercise machines commonly referred to Pilates exercise machines.

BACKGROUND

Pilates exercise apparatuses commonly feature a foldable frame designed to fold into an upright position and to be rolled to a desired location. Typically, Pilates exercise apparatuses may be over 7 feet in length requiring a significant amount of storage space. Even when folded, the exercise apparatus with a changed length may still be bulky in size, occupying too much space for storage or during delivery. Thus, the conventional Pilates exercise apparatuses require further improvements.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Embodiments of the invention are illustrated by way of example and not limitation in the figures of the accompanying drawings in which like references indicate similar elements.

FIGS. 1A and 1B show a perspective view of an exercise device according to certain embodiments of the invention.

FIG. 2 shows a perspective view of an exercise device according to one embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 3 shows a perspective view of an exercise device according to another embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 4A shows a bottom view of an exercise device according to one embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 4B shows an explosive view of an exercise device according to one embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 5 shows a perspective view of an exercise device according to another embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 6 shows a perspective view of an exercise device according to another embodiment of the invention.

FIGS. 7A-7D show usage of an exercise device according to certain embodiments of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Various embodiments and aspects of the inventions will be described with reference to details discussed below, and the accompanying drawings will illustrate the various embodiments. The following description and drawings are illustrative of the invention and are not to be construed as limiting the invention. Numerous specific details are described to provide a thorough understanding of various embodiments of the present invention. However, in certain instances, well-known or conventional details are not described in order to provide a concise discussion of embodiments of the present inventions.

Reference in the specification to “one embodiment” or “an embodiment” means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in conjunction with the embodiment can be included in at least one embodiment of the invention. The appearances of the phrase “in one embodiment” in various places in the specification do not necessarily all refer to the same embodiment.

According to some embodiments, an exercise device includes a base frame having a first baseboard member, a second baseboard member, and a base pad disposed between the first baseboard and the second baseboard. The first baseboard member includes a first locking member disposed on a first headend of the first baseboard member. The second baseboard member includes a second locking member disposed on a second headend of the second baseboard member. The exercise device further includes a pole frame having a top crossbar, a bottom crossbar, a first side pole, and a second side pole. The top crossbar is coupled to top ends of the first side pole and the second side pole and the bottom crossbar is coupled to bottom ends of the first side pole and the second side pole.

In one embodiment, the first lock member of the first baseboard member is inserted into a cross section of the first side pole and the second lock member of the second baseboard member is inserted into a cross section of the second side pole, such that the pole frame is interlocked with the base frame substantially perpendicularly. The pole frame is detachable by lifting the pole frame upwardly and away from the first locking member and the second locking member of the base frame, while the base frame is positioned horizontally.

In one embodiment, the exercise device further includes a swivel frame having a first sidebar, a second sidebar, and a handle bar coupled to the first sidebar and the second sidebar to form a U-shape frame. A first end of the first sidebar is rotatably coupled to the first side pole via a first hinge disposed on an interior side of the first side pole. A second end of the second sidebar is rotatably coupled to the second side pole of the pole frame via a second hinge disposed on an interior side of the second side pole, such that the swivel frame can be swiveled upwardly and downwardly with respect to the pole frame.

FIGS. 1A-1B are perspective view of an exercise device according to certain embodiments of the invention. Referring to FIGS. 1A-1B, exercise device or apparatus 100 includes pole frame 101, base frame 102, and swivel frame 103 coupled to each other. Pole frame 101 and base frame 102 are coupled in a configuration, such that when base frame 102 is positioned on a horizontal position, pole frame 101 is coupled to an end of base frame 102 in a vertical position substantially perpendicular to a plane of base frame 102. Swivel frame 103 is coupled to pole frame 101 via a couple of hinges, such that swivel frame 103 can swivel or swing with respect to a plane of pole frame 101. Swivel frame 103 may be maintained in a relatively parallel position with respect to base frame 102 using a lifting bar 110, such that a user can hold onto a handle bar 201 of swivel frame 103 while standing on base frame 102. Base frame 102 includes base pad 303 that is suitable for a user to step or stand on while using the exercise device 100 with or without swivel frame 103, as shown in FIGS. 7A-7D.

In one embodiment, pole frame 101 includes a top crossbar 111 (e.g., first crossbar, upper crossbar), a bottom crossbar 112 (e.g., second crossbar, lower crossbar), a first side pole 113, and a second side pole 114 to form a relatively rectangular frame. Pole frame 101 includes a top end having top crossbar 111 and a bottom end having a bottom crossbar 112. Base frame 102 includes a head end and a rear end. The bottom end of pole frame 101 is coupled to the head end of pole frame 102 via a locking mechanism (not shown) to interlock pole frame 101 and base frame 102 in a configuration that the cross planes of pole frame 101 and base frame 102 are substantially perpendicular to each other. In one embodiment, pole frame 101 can be detached from base frame 102 by unlocking and pulled away from base frame 102 as shown in FIG. 2, which will be described in details further below. Each of side poles 113-114 includes an upper end (or top end) coupled to top crossbar 111 and a lower end (or bottom end) coupled to bottom crossbar 112. The bottom ends of side poles 113-114 are also coupled to the head end of base frame 102 via the locking mechanism.

In one embodiment, swivel frame 103 includes a first sidebar 202, a second sidebar 203, and a handle bar 201 coupled to first and second sidebars 202-203 to form a U-shape frame. A first end of swivel frame 103 is coupled to an interior side of first side pole 113 via a first hinge, while a second end of swivel frame 103 is coupled to an interior side of second side pole 114 via a second hinge. As a result, swivel frame 103 can be swiveled or swung upwardly and downwardly with respect to pole frame 101 as shown in FIGS. 5-6.

In one embodiment, top crossbar 111 of pole frame 101 includes hook 115 and hook 116 amounted thereon. Hook 115 is disposed downwardly near or within a predetermined proximity of a coupling joint between crossbar 111 and side pole 113. Hook 116 is disposed downwardly near or within a predetermined proximity of a coupling joint between crossbar 111 and side pole 114. Hooks 115-116 may be utilized to hook elastic cord members 104-105, respectively. Each of elastic cord members 104-105 includes a corresponding one of grip handles 106-107.

In addition, according to another embodiment, the upper end of side pole 113 includes hook 117 disposed on an exterior side of side pole 113 near or within a predetermined proximity of the coupling joint of crossbar 111 and side pole 113. Similarly, the upper end of side pole 114 includes hook 118 disposed on an exterior side of side pole 114 near or within a predetermined proximity of a coupling joint of crossbar 111 and side pole 114. In one embodiment, crossbar 111 may be a wooden bar having a first end and a second end. The first end is covered by a first endcap 181 and the second end is covered by a second endcap 182. Each of endcaps 181-182 may be formed using stainless steel pressed into an appropriate shape that is compatible with a shape of crossbar 111 and fastened with a screw. Hooks 117-118 may be used to hang elastic cord members 104-105, respectively as shown in FIG. 1B. Elastic cord members 104-105 are designed to provide a resistant force to a user as shown in FIGS. 7A-7D.

In one embodiment, sidebar 202 of swivel frame 103 includes hook 211 and hook 212 amounted thereon. Hook 211 is disposed upwardly near or within a predetermined proximity of a coupling joint between handle bar 201 and sidebar 202, while hook 212 is disposed upwardly near or within a predetermined proximity of a coupling joint between handle bar 201 and sidebar 203. The coupling joint between sidebar 202 and handle bar 201 is covered by a first front cap 183. The coupling joint between sidebar 203 and handle bar 201 is covered by a second front cap 184. Each of the front caps 183-184 may be made of stainless steel pressed into an appropriate shape compatible with the shape of sidebars 202-203, such as, for example, an oval shape, and fastened with a screw. Such front caps may be used to reduce or prevent chances of being injured by a shape edge. Hook 115 and hook 211 may be utilized to couple a first elastic cord member such as elastic cord member 104 as shown in FIG. 5 to provide resistant force while swiveling swivel frame 103 downwardly.

In one embodiment, bottom crossbar 112 of pole frame 101 includes hook 119 and hook 120 amounted thereon. Hook 119 is disposed upwardly near or within a predetermined proximity of a coupling joint between crossbar 112 and side pole 113. Hook 120 is disposed upwardly near or within a predetermined proximity of a coupling joint between crossbar 112 and side pole 114. Sidebar 202 of swivel frame 103 further includes hook 213 disposed downwardly near or within a predetermined proximity of a coupling joint between sidebar 202 and handle bar 201. Sidebar 203 of swivel frame 103 further includes hook 214 disposed downwardly near or within a predetermined proximity of a coupling joint between sidebar 203 and handle bar 201. Hook 119 and hook 213 may be utilized to hook an elastic cord member, while hook 120 and hook 214 may be utilized to hook another elastic cord member, as shown in FIG. 6 to provide resistant force while swiveling swivel frame 103 upwardly.

In one embodiment, side pole 113 includes two sections: extendible pole 121 and base pole 122. Extendible pole 121 can be extended upwardly or outwardly from and retracted downwardly or inwardly into base pole 122. Base pole 122 is configured to have a tubular cross section or shaft (e.g., a rectangular tube or pipe) to allow extendible pole 121 to be inserted or retracted into base pole 122 almost entirely. The length of extension of extendible pole 121 from base pole 122 may be controlled by extension control 251. Extension control 251 can be used to tighten or loosen extendible pole 121 against base pole 122 at any extended length. Extension control 251 may be a knob. Similarly, although not shown, side pole 114 includes an extendible pole, a base pole, and an extension control having the same or similar configuration of side pole 113.

In one embodiment, base frame 102 includes first baseboard member 301, second baseboard member 302, and base pad 303 amounted between first and second baseboard members 301-302 that are positioned substantially parallel. Base pad 303 includes a head base pad 304 at a head end closed to bottom crossbar 112 of pole frame 101 and a rear base pad 305 at a rear end of the base frame 102. In one embodiment, first baseboard member 301 includes head section 311 and rear section 313. Second baseboard member 302 includes head section 312 and rear section 314. Head base pad 304 is mounted between head section 311 and head section 312. Rear base bad 305 is mounted between rear section 313 and rear section 314. In one embodiment, head base pad 304 is mounted on one or more cross rails coupled to head sections 311-312. Rear base pad 305 is mounted on one or more cross rails coupled to rear sections 313-314, as shown in FIG. 4 as a bottom view of the exercise device.

In one embodiment, a head end of first baseboard member 301 is detachably coupled to a lower end of sidebar 113, for example, via a first locking mechanism disposed at the head end of baseboard member 301. A head end of second baseboard member 302 is detachably coupled to a lower end of sidebar 114, for example, via a second locking mechanism disposed at the head end of baseboard member 302.

In one embodiment, the first locking mechanism includes a first lock member disposed on the head end of baseboard member 301 (not shown), which can be inserted into a cross section (e.g., an opening or tubular shape) of the lower end of side pole 113, when pole frame 101 is positioned substantially perpendicular to base frame 102 to interlock with base frame 102. When pole frame 101 and base frame 102 are interlocked, a locking hole disposed at the lower end of sidebar 113 and a locking hole disposed at the head end of baseboard member 301 are aligned to allow locking pin 151 to be inserted across the locking holes to prevent pole frame 101 from being detached from base frame 102. Similarly, the locking mechanism associated with side pole 114 and baseboard member 302 is similar using locking pin 152, as shown in FIG. 2. FIG. 4B shows an explosive view of the exercise device according to one embodiment of the invention.

Referring now to FIG. 2, for the purpose of illustration, FIG. 2 shows an enlarged version of a locking mechanism disposed between base pole 122 of sidebar 113 and head section 311 of baseboard member 301. The description is equally applicable to another locking mechanism disposed between base pole 124 of sidebar 114 and head section 312 of baseboard member 302. In one embodiment, locking member 351 is mounted on the head end of head section 311 of baseboard member 301. In this example, locking member 351 is in a U-shape form that is suitable to be inserted into a cross section of base pole 122. Locking member 351 includes locking hole 353, while base pole 122 includes a corresponding locking hole 352. When base pole 122 is lowered to allow locking member 351 to be inserted into its cross section, locking holes 352-353 are aligned to allow locking pin 151 to be inserted across through the aligned locking holes 352-353 for interlocking. In order for pole frame 101 to be detached from base frame 102, locking pin 151 has to be pulled from locking holes 352-353. Further, a first knob or tight control member 185 is disposed at the lower end of pole 122, which can be used to tighten pole 122 against locking member 351. Similarly, a second knob or tight control member 186 is disposed at the lower end of pole 124 for the similar purpose. The length of locking member 351 is determined such that it is long and steady enough to hold pole frame 101 substantially perpendicular to base frame 102 in an interlocked position.

Referring now to FIG. 3, as described above, first baseboard member 301 includes head section 311 and rear section 313, while second baseboard member 302 includes head section 312 and rear section 314. In one embodiment, head section 311 and rear section 313 are coupled to each other via a hinge (e.g., a vertical hinge) to allow rear section 313 to swing or tilt outwardly with respect to head section 311. Such a configuration allows rear section 313 to swing up to 180 degrees to be in a position side by side with head section 311. As a result the exercise device can be disassembled without having to take apart head section 311 and rear section 313. Head section 312 and rear section 314 have the same or similar structure as shown in FIG. 3.

In the foregoing specification, embodiments of the invention have been described with reference to specific exemplary embodiments thereof. It will be evident that various modifications may be made thereto without departing from the broader spirit and scope of the invention as set forth in the following claims. The specification and drawings are, accordingly, to be regarded in an illustrative sense rather than a restrictive sense. 

What is claimed is:
 1. An exercise device, comprising: a base frame having a first baseboard member, a second baseboard member, and a base pad disposed between the first baseboard and the second baseboard, wherein the first baseboard member includes a first locking member disposed on a first headend of the first baseboard member, and wherein the second baseboard member includes a second locking member disposed on a second headend of the second baseboard member; and a pole frame having a top crossbar, a bottom crossbar, a first side pole, and a second side pole, the top crossbar being coupled to top ends of the first side pole and the second side pole, the bottom crossbar being coupled to bottom ends of the first side pole and the second side pole, wherein the first lock member of the first baseboard member is inserted into a cross section of the first side pole and the second lock member of the second baseboard member is inserted into a cross section of the second side pole, such that the pole frame is interlocked with the base frame substantially perpendicularly, and wherein the pole frame is detachable by lifting the pole frame upwardly and away from the first locking member and the second locking member of the base frame, while the base frame is positioned horizontally.
 2. The exercise device of claim 1, further comprising: a swivel frame having a first sidebar, a second sidebar, and a handle bar coupled to the first sidebar and the second sidebar to form a U-shape frame, wherein a first end of the first sidebar is rotatably coupled to the first side pole via a first hinge disposed on an interior side of the first side pole, wherein a second end of the second sidebar is rotatably coupled to the second side pole of the pole frame via a second hinge disposed on an interior side of the second side pole, such that the swivel frame can be swiveled upwardly and downwardly with respect to the pole frame.
 3. The exercise device of claim 2, wherein the top crossbar of the pole frame includes a first hook disposed downwardly, wherein the first sidebar of the swivel frame includes a second hook disposed upwardly, and wherein the first hook and the second hook are utilized to couple a first end and a second end of a first elastic cord member, respectively.
 4. The exercise device of claim 3, wherein the top crossbar of the pole frame includes a third hook disposed downwardly, wherein the first sidebar of the swivel frame includes a fourth hook disposed upwardly, and wherein the third hook and the fourth hook are utilized to couple a first end and a second end of a second elastic cord member, respectively.
 5. The exercise device of claim 2, wherein the bottom crossbar of the pole frame includes a first hook disposed upwardly, wherein the first sidebar of the swivel frame includes a second hook disposed downwardly, and wherein the first hook and the second hook are utilized to couple a first end and a second end of a first elastic cord member, respectively.
 6. The exercise device of claim 5, wherein the bottom crossbar of the pole frame includes a third hook disposed upwardly, wherein the first sidebar of the swivel frame includes a fourth hook disposed downwardly, and wherein the third hook and the fourth hook are utilized to couple a first end and a second end of a second elastic cord member, respectively.
 7. The exercise device of claim 1, further comprising: a first locking hole disposed on a bottom end of the first side pole of the pole frame; a second locking hole disposed on a first lock member of the first baseboard member of the base frame, such that when the first locking member is inserted into the cross session of the first side pole, the first locking hole is aligned with the second locking hole; and a first locking pin inserted into the aligned first locking hole and the second locking hole to interlock the pole frame with the base frame.
 8. The exercise device of claim 7, further comprising: a third locking hole disposed on a bottom end of the second side pole of the pole frame; a fourth locking hole disposed on a second lock member of the second baseboard member of the base frame, such that when the second locking member is inserted into the cross session of the second side pole, the third locking hole is aligned with the fourth locking hole; and a second locking pin inserted into the aligned third locking hole and the fourth locking hole to interlock the pole frame with the base frame.
 9. The exercise device of claim 1, further comprising: a first hook disposed outwardly on the first side pole of the pole frame to hook a first elastic cord member; and a second hook disposed outwardly on the second side pole of the pole frame to hook a second elastic cord member.
 10. The exercise device of claim 1, wherein the first baseboard member comprises: a first head section coupled to the pole frame; and a first rear section coupled to the first head section via a first hinge, wherein the first rear section can be folded outwardly with the first head section via the first hinge during disassembling the base frame.
 11. The exercise device of claim 10, wherein the second baseboard member comprises: a second head section coupled to the pole frame; and a second rear section coupled to the second head section via a second hinge, wherein the second rear section can be folded outwardly with the second head section via the second hinge during disassembling the base frame.
 12. The exercise device of claim 11, wherein the base pad of the base frame comprises: a head base pad disposed between the first head section of the first baseboard member and the second head section of the second baseboard member; a rear base pad disposed between the first rear section of the first baseboard member and the second rear section of the second baseboard member.
 13. The exercise device of claim 12, wherein the rear base pad is smaller than the head base pad. 